SWFA Black Friday

[MTlan66]

What is everyone’s experience with the fixed 10x, as a primary western hunting scope? With the sale this weekend, I’m very tempted to pick one up, as I am fed up with my current Vortex, and I love the idea of a fixed power (and the price!!). Will it make it difficult to spot impacts, track game, quick target acquisition, etc.? I can conjecture all kinds of things, and try random simulations with my current scope set on 10 power, but none of that really is the same as true life experience. I know the 6X gets recommended an awful lot, but I’m tired of waiting on them to ever come back in stock…

 

[nm.otter]

Why does SWFA refuse to make any more 6x's?

They don't refuse -- the 6x MQs just sell out quickly.

 

[betelgeuse]

I have a 3-15 FFP. The glass is acceptable, the adjustments are stiff when its cold.

It works every time, I like the Mil Quad reticle. It's a bargain on sale.

Only wish is it was illuminated for low power shots hunting.

 

[betelgeuse]

What is everyone’s experience with the fixed 10x, as a primary western hunting scope? With the sale this weekend, I’m very tempted to pick one up, as I am fed up with my current Vortex, and I love the idea of a fixed power (and the price!!). Will it make it difficult to spot impacts, track game, quick target acquisition, etc.? I can conjecture all kinds of things, and try random simulations with my current scope set on 10 power, but none of that really is the same as true life experience. I know the 6X gets recommended an awful lot, but I’m tired of waiting on them to ever come back in stock…

I think it would work for most things. I use 3x when hunting in the deep trees. Shots can be close and fast.

 

[43.6N]

I’ll vouch for the 3-9.
I prefer its glass on 9x to my fixed 10x.
I prefer it in use to my Maven 1.2.
Between it and the atacr, I’m not missing any shots due to light transmission or glass quality.

I’ve heard that the 3-9 may have spent time on MK12’s during mid GWOT for anybody that cares about that kind of thing.

 

[betelgeuse]

The SS should be called. The Last Honest Scope.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Why does SWFA refuse to make any more 6x's?

They just sell out quickly. As for why the delay in restocking, folks have claimed that the way SWFA keeps their pricing down is they allow their orders to be filled when convenient for the manufacturer to work into their production que. I don't know if that is true but seems plausible based on the restocking gaps.

I do wonder though about some of their ordering practices though, IE did they under order 6x in the first place? Because I don't see why 6x or 10x or 12x, etc. would make much difference in terms of the manufacturing run and they have plenty of the higher magnifications in stock.

 

[nm.otter]

I suspect they underestimated the amount of pent-up demand for 6x MQs once the Gen1 sold through. Combine that with a months-long order cycle and you get shortages.

 

[Ajsomp]

What is everyone’s experience with the fixed 10x, as a primary western hunting scope? With the sale this weekend, I’m very tempted to pick one up, as I am fed up with my current Vortex, and I love the idea of a fixed power (and the price!!). Will it make it difficult to spot impacts, track game, quick target acquisition, etc.? I can conjecture all kinds of things, and try random simulations with my current scope set on 10 power, but none of that really is the same as true life experience. I know the 6X gets recommended an awful lot, but I’m tired of waiting on them to ever come back in stock…

10x can work - can be a little tricky for closer shots but you can train around that. Wouldn’t go any higher for a hunting rig.

TLDR- the 3-9 is the best pure hunting scope available. I would personally buy that if I needed a scope. The 3-15 is also great but if you need zero stop, or want more magnification.

My tikkas both rock gen 2 6x but I’ve owned numerous 3-9, gen 1 6x, Gen 1 3-15, and I’ve got a 10x HD that I just picked up on a steep discount.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

What is everyone’s experience with the fixed 10x, as a primary western hunting scope? With the sale this weekend, I’m very tempted to pick one up, as I am fed up with my current Vortex, and I love the idea of a fixed power (and the price!!). Will it make it difficult to spot impacts, track game, quick target acquisition, etc.? I can conjecture all kinds of things, and try random simulations with my current scope set on 10 power, but none of that really is the same as true life experience. I know the 6X gets recommended an awful lot, but I’m tired of waiting on them to ever come back in stock…

The fixed 10x is at the upper end of the magnification I like. I would not want more magnification in a fixed hunting scope. I’d probably prefer a fixed 8x than 6x or 10x, but they don’t make that. Given the choices between 6x and 10x, I would take the 6x 4/5 times.

Ability to spot shots will depend heavily on chambering, rifle weight, suppressor, stock type, and shooting position. Magnification matters too of course, but it’s not the only factor.

My FN Mauser .25-06 weighs nearly 10.8# with SWFA 10x, sling, and OG 6.5. I have no issues spotting shots from prone over backpack or seated unsupported. I can’t do it standing. It’s not as easy to spot shots with it as it is with my 10.1# Tikka 6.5 CM with wooden Rokstok, fixed 6x, and AB Raptor 8 w/ 3” reflex. But I think the primary difference is the RokStok, not the scope magnification.

 

[Ajsomp]

They just sell out quickly. As for why the delay in restocking, folks have claimed that the way SWFA keeps their pricing down is they allow their orders to be filled when convenient for the manufacturer to work into their production que. I don't know if that is true but seems plausible based on the restocking gaps.

I do wonder though about some of their ordering practices though, IE did they under order 6x in the first place? Because I don't see why 6x or 10x or 12x, etc. would make much difference in terms of the manufacturing run and they have plenty of the higher magnifications in stock.

SWFA in general baffles me on their business practices.

 

[KenLee]

Why does SWFA refuse to make any more 6x's?

They don't "make" anything. Most hunters and shooters want variable scopes.

 

[KenLee]

What is everyone’s experience with the fixed 10x, as a primary western hunting scope? With the sale this weekend, I’m very tempted to pick one up, as I am fed up with my current Vortex, and I love the idea of a fixed power (and the price!!). Will it make it difficult to spot impacts, track game, quick target acquisition, etc.? I can conjecture all kinds of things, and try random simulations with my current scope set on 10 power, but none of that really is the same as true life experience. I know the 6X gets recommended an awful lot, but I’m tired of waiting on them to ever come back in stock…

Its a fine target scope to check how a new to me rifle shoots. I won't hunt with one. Pain to find game for jump shots or moving game in general

 

[BBob]

SWFA in general baffles me on their business practices.

If I were a betting man I’d bet the scope sales thing is nothing but a side job for them anymore. They’ve stated in the past why it takes so long to get product and they’re good with that which suggests they’re okay with selling what they get when they get it regardless of what “we” all might think. All of that is likely why the sales prices are as low as they are as well. You want a more refined scope and on the shelf? How about those prices take a jump to $1K or more like what the “Rokscope” is going to cost.

 

[Formidilosus]

Out of what is available on this sale, if you were going to try a SWFA for the first time, 10x. 3-9, or 3-15? All around general purpose shooting and hunting. Thanks

3-9x without hesitation.

 

[Formidilosus]

May have missed it if there was an eval done of the 3-9 but is the reticle more visible at 3x than the 3-15?

No formal eval on the 3-9x as it is one of the most proven scopes made so I haven’t spent the time on it.

The thick outer posts are the same, the inner reticle is slightly (.01 mil) thicker.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

3-9x without hesitation.

If this is true, what is the use case for the 3-15x?

 

[KenLee]

If this is true, what is the use case for the 3-15x?

It sells to reach em out thar wanna bes

 

[Formidilosus]

If this is true, what is the use case for the 3-15x?

It was more available, better for .22 LR match use with the side PA, and better for dedicated LR use. The 3-15x is a fine scope- it’s just that the 3-9x has no equal on the market at any price.

 

[benconfused]

It was more available, better for .22 LR match use with the side PA, and better for dedicated LR use. The 3-15x is a fine scope- it’s just that the 3-9x has no equal on the market at any price.

Ok then - my plan (only I care about it) - 3-15 SWFA on BF. Next year it goes to my 22LR once the Rokscope launches.